Australia’s Huge Support for Clean Energy

The solar industry in the country has had phenomenal success in the past two years thanks to the generous government programs and financial incentives. Before this year closes the industry expects another big boost as solar panel prices hit record lows and efficiency rates continue to increase.

Energy financial year breakdown (2011 – 2012)

Queensland

Queensland has one of the most successful solar industries in the country and the state government has announced its 2011 to 2012 budget for clean energy. A $32.9 million fund has been allocated to be used in various solar initiatives and to support solar infrastructure during the financial year, and another $34.5 million fund will be used to sustain the existing ClimateSmart programs.

Queensland will also be contributing a total $75 million to the Solar Flagship programs of the federal government. Large scale solar PV in Queensland will also get a boost from a $6.8 million budget throughout the entire financial year.

Northern Territory

The NT local government has allotted a $1.6 million budget for the implementation of its climate change policies in addition to a $300,000 fund for its research and development for the best environmental practices.

NT will also be focusing on tracking down their carbon footprint and upgrading their systems that allows them to do so.

Victoria

Despite the recent cuts in the feed in tariff scheme, the Victorian government has announced  majorfinancial support for clean energy in the year to come; providing over $90 million to fund the state’s sustainability and renewable energy projects.

The budget will be used to maintain existing programs, for the development of low emission technologies, and to continue to build community support& education towards a cleaner and greener Victoria in the future.

Western Australia

With over $100 million budgeted, WA will be working on various large scale solar power projects which include the Pilbira Underground Power Project and the Gasmere Wind Farm. WA will also be commencing a smart grid trial in the East Perth Metropolitan area and fulfill their role in developing new technologies to lessen their carbon emissions.

South Australia

SA will continue their generous support for eligible solar hot water system owners amounting to $500.

Tasmania

Although Tasmania has been quiet in the so called solar race, the state has allotted a million dollar budget to assess the regions renewable energy potentials and work from the results. Wind farms have been utilised successfully in the state also.

New South Wales

The NSW government has announced a $152 million energy subsidy budget to help its residents pay their electric bills, together with $36.6 million budget for the research and development of energy sources and to attract clean energy investors into NSW.